Long-Term Verification of Cover Systems Using Perfluorocarbon Tracers
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 6
Abstract
The expanded use of caps and cover systems is an important aspect of the U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Management’s strategy for restoration and long-term stewardship of sites throughout the complex. However, very little is available in terms of long-term monitoring of covers other than downstream groundwater or surface water monitoring. A novel methodology for verifying and monitoring subsurface barriers and cover systems has been developed. Gaseous perfluorocarbon tracers (PFTs) are injected on one side of the barrier and searched for on the opposite side of the barrier. The capability for leak detection in subsurface barriers using PFTs has been proven at multiple demonstrations. Adaptation of this concept to covers is a necessary step prior to full-scale demonstration. This paper discusses the PFT technology and a successful proof-of-principle test of the PFT technology as a leak detection tool for cover verification and monitoring.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 6 • June 2005
Pages: 952 - 960
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 11, 2002
Accepted: Oct 5, 2004
Published online: Jun 1, 2005
Published in print: Jun 2005
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